LONDON -- Liverpool FC's Mario Balotelli has apologised for posting an image on Instagram that was widely condemned as racist and anti-Semitic.
The English Football Association (FA) is set to investigate the social media post, which featured the Nintendo game character Super Mario.
The image, created by someone else but reposted by Balotelli, makes a number of derogatory statements.
A spokesperson for Liverpool FC told the BBC it is also investigating the issue. "We are aware of the posting which has since been promptly deleted by the player. We will be speaking to the player about the issue," they said.
Balotelli responded on Twitter with a sharp retort before posting a longer apology.
( my Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please)— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) December 1, 2014
I apologize if I’ve offended anyone. The post was meant to be anti-racist with humour. I now understand that (...) pic.twitter.com/UlNeNlEz9M— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) December 2, 2014
In September, Balotelli was subjected to racist abuse on Twitter after he mocked Manchester United's loss on the social network.
Liverpool are set to play Leicester City on Tuesday but a groin injury will keep Balotelli out of the game.